Match Preview for Preston V Aston Villa
Preston, the only championship club that does not stay in the FA Cup of the season, will face Aston Villa at Deepdale in Sunday’s square match.
Paul Heckingbottom’s team secured their position in the final eight, beating Burnley 3-0 in the previous round, while the UNAI EMERY side proceeded by eliminating Cardiff City.
Aston Villa remains in a dispute on both domestic and European silverware, with EMERY’s proven expertise in knockout competitions that shine both in the Champions League and the FA Cup.
After surpassing West Ham and Tottenham in the previous rounds, the villa was largely unexplored in their 3-0 win over Cardiff City, with Marco Asensio scoring twice in the second half.
The support of the Spanish player ended a decade absence from the FA Cup quarter-finals for the villa, who recently arrived at this stage in the 2014-15 campaign.
That year, they won the West Brom before falling to Arsenal in the final.
Specifically, Villa won the last four quarter-finals of the FA Cup, as it was not eliminated at this stage from the time of 1991-92.
They also entered the international break in a win of four games in all competitions.
The fourth week of the FA Cup is here. 👊#pnefc pic.twitter.com/2O0FLXWCDO
– Preston North End FC (@pnefc) March 24 2025
Meanwhile, Preston has enjoyed an impressive run in the Cup, playing all their home matches so far. The wins over Charlton and Wycombe created a last 16-16 draw against Burnley, claiming a 3-0 win.
While Villa’s waiting for a fourth final appearance was only a decade, Preston has not reached this stage since the 1965-66 era, when they fell to Manchester United.
In addition, Preston competed in recent meetings with Villa, winning only one of their last 15 meetings in all matches. This said, their last three lamps – all league matches in 2018 – ended in draws.
News team for Preston V Aston Villa
Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who was surprised by the England team, suffered a minor knee injury against the Club Brugge.
However, it has been fully trained and is expected to begin. The only confirmed absence for the villa is Ross Barkley (knee), while Disasi Axel is not eligible due to the connection of the Cup.
Pau Torres also works back to full skill after a metatarsal fracture.
Preston faces important team issues, with up to eight players potentially unavailable. Sam Greenwood and Ryan Ledson are suspended, Ryan Porteous is committed and Kaine Kesler-Hayden is not eligible against his parent club.
In addition, Jack Whatmough is out for the season, while Ali McCann (beef), Brad Potts (Hamstring) and Osmajic (hip) are doubtful. Osmajic also faces disciplinary action following allegations of racist abuse against Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.
Expected lines for Preston V Aston Villa
Preston: Woodcutter; Storyy, Gibson, Lindsay, Bauer, Brady. Whiteman, Frogkjaer-Jensen; Thordarson? Kenne, Rice
Aston Villa: Martinez? Cash, konsa, mings, measures; McGinn, Tielemans. Asensio, Rogers, Rashford. Old
UNAI provided the following team news update at its Press Conference before the square tie of the FA Cup with Preston on Sunday 🗣
– Aston Villa (@avfcofficial) March 28 2025
How to watch Preston V Aston Villa: TV channel, online flow
Preston V Aston Villa will start at 13:30 pm Sunday and is available to watch BBC One. Fans in the UK can also convey the game to the BBC iPlayer.
Prophecy
While long breaks can disrupt the momentum, the Villa team near complete durability is expected to comfortably send a preston group weakened by injuries and suspensions.
The defensive installation of Preston can initially prevent visitors, but the quality of the Villa should eventually break the impasse, allowing them to take control and move on to the semifinals.
Forecast: Preston 0-3 Aston Villa
